Ariana Slot Game

4/5

A journey under the sea. That’s what players of this Microgaming product are set to experience. Remember the Disney Princess Ariel? Consider this the version for adults. The “Heroine of the high seas” is the protagonist in this mermaid propelled theme. In true Microgaming fashion players are greeted with an aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eye game filled with wilds, scatters and bonuses.

Exploring the deep seas has never been so simple and, bar finding a sunken treasure, has never been as financially rewarding. Coupled with the mobile adaptation which carries over all the best features of the online version, players are never at a loss for an oceanic adventure.

Water Wonderland

The High Definition rendering of the fantastical under sea world with the creative backdrop of floating water and swimming fish combined with the artistic rendering of the symbols is certainly the main draw to this game. The symbols of Ariana the mermaid, the treasure chest, the sea bed and some sea-weed act as the higher values with a starfish, the 10, J, Q, K and A filling up the set. The blue and white hues that underpin the visuals are undoubtedly a calming influence helping the players get through any losing streaks they might experience.

Reels waving by: Wilds a stacking

As the ruler of the seas Ariana appears as the stacked wild on all reels, with the other high values appearing stacked on reel 1. With five reels, three rows and twenty-five fixed pay lines, the opportunities of earning some good wins are bolstered with the wilds and stacks substituting other symbols to complete winning combinations. The starfish is the scatter and landing three or more will open up the free spins bonus. Coin sizes for Ariana range from 0.01 to 0.50 with the bet range running from 0.25 to 125.

Wetting the Max: Only 30,000

Considering this is a medium variance game from Microgaming, the maximum bet is a bit of a downer. Available during the free spins bonus, the highest pay out players can win is 240 times their stake. When playing on a max bet of 125, the pay-out is exactly 30,000. While not minute, this does little to blow the fish out the water…so to speak.

Aquatic Specials: All in the Free Spins

The main bonus on offer in Ariana is the free spins bonus game, triggered by landing three star-fish scatters on a base spin. Fortunately the game bonus can be re-triggered by landing another three scatters. In the bonus the player is treated to 15 free spins. Additionally the wilds on reels two, three and four expand to fill the reels. These greatly increase the odds of landing a winning combination, which partially makes up for the lack of multipliers.

The additional bonus on Ariana is the reel one stacking bonus. If a player lands a full matching stack on reel one, all other matching expand and fill their respective reels. This could potentially add a good amount of winnings.

Our Take

In the end, Ariana lacks the fervour and gusto of some of Microgaming’s other options. While visually very good, as per usual for Microgaming, the mechanics and lack of creative bonuses may leave seasoned gamers wanting more. Ariana is perfect, however, for those new to the world of online gaming.